Cholecystectomy

Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver, and its primary function is to store bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Cholecystectomy is commonly performed to treat various gallbladder-related conditions, such as gallstones, inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), or gallbladder cancer.

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that is located directly below your liver on the upper right side of your belly. A cholecystectomy is a surgical operation to remove it. Bile, a digestive fluid created in your liver, is collected and stored in your gallbladder. A cholecystectomy is a routine procedure with a low risk of complications. You may often leave the hospital on the same day as your cholecystectomy.

In order to view your belly and remove the gallbladder, a cholecystectomy is most frequently carried out by inserting a tiny video camera and specialized surgical equipment through four tiny incisions. This procedure is referred to as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The gallbladder may occasionally be removed with a single, big incision. This procedure is known as an open cholecystectomy.

The most frequent reason for a cholecystectomy is to treat gallstones and the difficulties they bring on. A cholecystectomy may be advised by your doctor if you have:

• Cholelithiasis, or gallstones in the gallbladder.
• Bile duct gallstones (choledocholithiasis)
• Cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder
• large polyps in the gallbladder
• Gallstones cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas

The procedure can be performed through two main approaches: laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common and minimally invasive technique used to remove the gallbladder. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen, through which specialized surgical instruments and a laparoscope (a tiny camera) are inserted. The laparoscope provides a magnified view of the surgical area on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to navigate and perform the procedure accurately. Carbon dioxide gas may be used to inflate the abdomen, creating space for the surgeon to work.

The surgeon carefully detaches the gallbladder from its attachments to the liver and bile ducts. The gallbladder is then removed through one of the small incisions. Once the gallbladder is removed, the incisions are closed, and the patient is typically discharged on the same day or within a short hospital stay.

Open Cholecystectomy:

Open cholecystectomy is a traditional surgical approach performed when laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not feasible or when the surgeon needs a larger incision for better access to the gallbladder. The procedure is also performed under general anesthesia. A single, larger incision is made in the upper abdomen, usually just below the ribcage, on the right side.

The surgeon carefully separates the gallbladder from the surrounding structures, such as the liver and bile ducts, and then removes the gallbladder. Afterward, the incision is closed with stitches or surgical staples. The recovery time for open cholecystectomy is generally longer compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and the patient may require a longer hospital stay.

Both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy are considered safe procedures with a low risk of complications. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks, such as bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs, or bile duct damage. It is important to consult with a qualified surgeon to determine the most appropriate approach for each individual case.

Preparation for Cholecystectomy:-

Your healthcare team will do several tests prior to the surgery, including:-

• belly ultrasound.
• blood tests.
• urine analysis (urine assessment).

They'll also discuss with you:

• Medications you are currently taking.
• Your alternatives for pain management during and following surgery.
• Before the surgery, your surgeon might ask you to fast for a few hours.

To put you to sleep and keep you pain-free during the surgery, general anesthesia will be administered. Once you are out, your medical professionals will insert a tube into your throat to assist with breathing. An IV line will be inserted into your arm to supply fluids and drugs.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy lasts one to two hours. Your abdomen will get a few little incisions from the surgeon. These incisions will be filled with skinny, hollow tubes by the surgeon. After that, the surgical team will insert a laparoscope and other instruments into the tubes.

Your team could inject your abdomen with carbon dioxide. The surgical region is inflated in this stage, which also improves visibility. The surgeon will use specialized instruments to separate the gallbladder from the body and remove it. The staff will next use stitches, surgical clips, or surgical glue to seal the wounds.

The surgeon may opt to do an open cholecystectomy instead of a laparoscopic one if any difficulties arise during the laparoscopic procedure. That process necessitates a wider incision.

After surgery, your team will keep an eye on you for a while. They aim to ensure that you recover from the anesthetic without any problems. Your heart, respiration, blood pressure, and capacity to urinate (pee) will all be examined.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

The gallbladder must be removed in order to relieve the infection and pain brought on by gallstones. Additionally, it can prevent gallstones from recurring. Pain and illness from gallstones might worsen if they are not addressed. The gallbladder might rupture, which could be fatal.

Gallstones can cause severe discomfort and even death. The gallbladder is removed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which also stops gallstones from recurring. In just a few weeks, the majority of patients fully recover from the minimally invasive surgery. But if you have any issues following surgery, contact your doctor.